HealthConnection HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY’S GOOD HEALTH NEWSLETTER
MOVE MORE, HURT LESS SUMMER 2016
Arthritis, Exercise & Nutrition Erica Fritz, DPT, OCS Physical Therapist Orthopedic Physical Therapy Center Hospital for Special Surgery
Linzy Unger, MS, RD, CDN Clinical Nutritionist Hospital for Special Surgery
Contents
1
Arthritis, Exercise & Nutrition
3
Is It Growing Pains or Juvenile Arthritis?
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Five Facts You May Not Have Known About Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Programs & Resources
Check with your doctor before embarking on any new diet or exercise program.
Move More, Hurt Less: Making Exercise and Good Nutrition a Part of Your Life with Arthritis “Exercise will make my arthritis worse.” It’s a common belief among people with arthritis. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, studies show that stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning programs improved symptoms in people with osteoarthritis, and that strengthening and aerobic conditioning exercise programs can improve muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and physical function in those with rheumatoid arthritis. So the sooner you get moving, the sooner you’ll feel better. Exercise and healthy eating can also help you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight if you are overweight. Being overweight places increased stress on your joints and can make your arthritis pain worse. Losing weight is therefore another great way to start feeling better if you have arthritis. How do you get started on a lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating? Here are some tips: SEE A PROFESSIONAL If you haven’t worked out in a while, don’t jump back into visiting the gym right away or you might
hurt yourself. See a physical therapist or your doctor for advice on how to get moving again. Walking is a wonderful exercise because it’s natural and low-impact, and it slowly warms up your joints. If you’re ready to make healthy changes to your diet, you might consider visiting a nutritionist. A registered dietitian can review with you the amounts and types of foods you’re currently eating, and suggest improvements that will help you lose weight and eat more low-fat, high-fiber fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.